Sport
17 April, 2025
Mallee Men snatch late win over Dragons to take 2025 Kiawarra Cup in epic plus Group 20 round up
Mallee Men defeat Dragons in Cup as Group 20 begins - full wrap by Tallon Smith
IF you weren’t at Rankins Springs Oval on Friday night, you missed a cracker. But anyone who has been following this rivalry knew it wouldn't be any other way based on recent form.
Following a strong showing from the Rankins Springs Dragons women, who held off a brave Ivanhoe Hens in the Nines, attention turned to the much-anticipated main game. And once again, the West Wyalong Mallee Men and Rankins Springs Dragons delivered a fierce, down-to-the-wire contest befitting their growing rivalry.
Locked in an arm wrestle for nearly the entire match, the deadlock was finally broken with just three minutes to play as the Mallee Men edged ahead to seal a gutsy 14-10 win and lift the 2025 Kiawarra Cup. It’s the latest in a string of close finishes between the two clubs — and, true to form, less than a converted try split them once again.
From the opening whistle, it was a brutal contest. Bone-rattling defence, charging runs, and plenty of niggle kept fans on edge throughout. Both sides showed signs of early-season promise, especially the Dragons, who are eyeing off a premiership defence this year in the Proten Cup.
West Wyalong's leader Bobby Jones was instrumental and named Man of the Match, steering his side with smarts and starch in defence. Toby Rees earned Players’ Player honours for a tireless shift up front, leading a forward pack that dug deep when it counted.
The Mallee Men’s performance was built on more than just grit — it was a family affair, with three Loudons and a couple of brother-in-laws putting in a shift to outlast a Rankins Springs outfit powered by their own wrecking ball, Grimmace, who was at his intimidating best.
The Dragons looked dangerous late, threatening to snatch a late winner, but West Wyalong’s defence held firm. Full credit to the hosts, who had the ground in immaculate condition for what promises to be a big season.
“Thanks for having us, Rankins Springs,” said a Mallee Men spokesperson on their social media page. “The deck looked unreal — it was a great night for footy.”
While West Wyalong took the choccies, both teams will take plenty of confidence into the 2025 campaign. The Mallee Men kick off their Group 20 season in two weeks against Leeton, after round one got underway across the region.
Group 20 Round 1 Results:
Griffith Waratahs def. Griffith Black and Whites 42–14
DPC Roosters def. Hay Magpies 34–20
Yanco def. TLU Sharks 34–16
Leeton def. Yenda 33–32 (Match of the Round)
With a Cup win already in the bag, and a successful Knockout that broke crowd, revenue and interest records, West Wyalong will now turn their focus to Leeton — but you can bet both sides have already circled the return clash on the 2026 pre-season calendar.
Final Score:
West Wyalong Mallee Men 14
Rankins Springs Dragons 10
Talking Twenty
with Tallon Smith
LEETON escaped from Yenda's Wade Park with an unlikely two competition points after a heart-stopping 33-32 win over the Blueheelers on Sunday courtesy of a last-gasp Shannon Bradbrook field goal.
Down 28-0 at half time, Leeton mounted a comeback for the ages to level the game at 32-all in the dying stages.
Enter the evergreen Bradbrook, who stepped up to nail a last minute match-winning drop goal from 35 metres out and secure a memorable away victory for the Greenies.
After losing key members of their back-to-back premiership team over the past two years, including Hayden Philp, Cameron Bruest and Beniel Dakunibubului, Leeton have had many question marks hanging over them to start 2025.
However, a winning performance in a twelve-try shootout against a Yenda side coming off a preliminary final berth has provided some early season relief for a squad featuring some good emerging talent.
Leeton Secretary Manager Michael Thomas said the win was a massive boost for the club.
“I've been around footy for 20 years, and outside finals, that's the best win I've been a part of,” he said.
After Bradbrook was sin binned during the comeback, 18-year-old young gun Caydan Hillier stepped up to steer the team around the paddock in his absence, before the main man returned to slot the winner with 15 seconds remaining.
Greenies President Jade Butler said that the debutant’s involvement was crucial to the side securing victory.
“We brought on the superstar Caydan Hillier, and I think he was the turning point in the game,” he said.
“The boys revved up at half time, Shan [Bradbrook] gave clear instructions as we came out of the sheds.
“We’ve got a few still out, so once they come back I think we’re going to go well.”
Doubles to Brandon Catlin and Braydon Doolan accounted for four of the Greenies’ six second half tries, matching Yenda’s total, as both teams kicked four of six conversions.
Meanwhile, Hay gave defending premiers DPC an almighty scare, leading the champions 20-18 late in their clash at Hay Park Oval.
However, it wasn't to be for Chris Stewart's men, with a late flurry of tries ensuring the Roosters got over the line 34-20 in a great game of footy.
The Griffith Waratah Tigers took out the local derby at the Exies Oval with a strong 42-14 victory over cross-town rivals Griffith Black and Whites.
The Tigers ran in seven tries to three in a dominant display, with hooker Sina Tatofi scoring two tries, while winger Ulu Akolo kicked seven goals from eight attempts.
While the Waratahs can bask in the glory of victory over their bitter rivals, Kodie Charles’ men will have to use the Easter Break to pick themselves up off the canvas, with the Black and Whites to travel to Darlington Point for the Grand Final rematch with DPC Sunday week.
Finally, Yanco-Wamoon scored a 34-16 victory over Tullibigeal-Lakes United at Lake Cargelligo Recreation Ground.
Having bulked up their pack and backline in 2025 with some key signings, the revitalised Hawks clicked into gear out at Lake, wasting no time in securing their first competition points of the season.
This columnist hopes all long-suffering Hawks fans were able to enjoy the strong first round performance after a lean few years for the club.
Tips for Round 2, April 27:
DPC v Griffith Black and Whites - DPC by 18
Waratahs v Yenda - Waratahs by 12
Leeton v West Wyalong - Leeton by 4
Yanco-Wamoon v Hay - Yanco by 10
Read More: West Wyalong
